The article highlights the ongoing battle to enforce the Horse Protection Act (HPA), which aims to end the cruel practice of soring—intentionally inflicting pain on horses to exaggerate their gait for competitive advantage. Despite the law being in place since 1970, enforcement has been weak due to entrenched industry resistance, evasion tactics, and self-policing that protects abusers. Recent USDA reforms to strengthen oversight and ban harmful devices faced legal challenges from those invested in maintaining the status quo, revealing a conflict between upholding animal welfare and preserving a harmful “tradition.”

The author calls for renewed commitment to conservative principles of stewardship, integrity, and law enforcement to protect vulnerable horses rather than powerful interests. They advocate for clear implementation of reforms, independent inspectors, and congressional support for the PAST Act, which would clarify federal authority and standardize inspections. This fight is framed not as a departure from conservative values but as a reaffirmation of them—ensuring fair competition and protecting the voiceless from cruelty.